(NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI) March 21, 2018 - The iconic Alerion Express 28 is about to turn 30. To mark the occasion, Alerion Yachts updated the interior layout and modernized the construction of this popular daysailer/racer. The design updates improve the overall interior comfort as well as the performance and longevity of the Alerion 28, while preserving the traditional aesthetics and modern sailing characteristics that make it such an enduring design.

"The stunning lines of the Alerion 28 (and all Alerion models!) continue to resonate with sailors around the world," says Peter Johnstone, Owner and President of Alerion Yachts. "At Alerion, we understand that sailing performance and quality construction are also equally valued. We are committed to meeting sailors' demands for beauty combined with high performance, and this update to the Alerion Express 28 is a perfect example of that commitment."

The first thing you notice are the new companionway steps - that's right, the cooler that previously served as the lower step has been removed. Replacing it with teak steps improves legroom when seated and opens up the interior space. Beverages are now stored in a soft-side cooler that can be stowed in a variety of locations, including under the seats.

The cook top and waste bin are now located forward, across from the sink. The shape of the door in the forward bulkhead was changed slightly, allowing for an increase in counter space and wider settees. With improved storage under the seats and behind the seat backs, both port and starboard, there's plenty of room for sailing gear. The interior is also brighter, thanks to the addition of tongue and groove bead board paneling on the sidewalls and head liner.

What you can't see are the changes to the construction, which takes full advantage of Alerion Yachts' resin-infusion process. Hull construction now includes a structural grid bonded to the hull with a high-strength adhesive. The interior seating, storage areas, and bulkheads are also molded using the resin-infusion method. This eliminates the wood components from the interior, ensuring that any water ingress will not be absorbed. The new interior components are glued on top of the structural grid, also adding strength and stiffness to the hull. Overall, the Alerion 28 hull will be lighter, stiffer, and more durable than ever before.

The Alerion Express 28 with new interior will be on display at the fall shows in Newport and Annapolis, or can be seen by appointment in the Rhode Island factory. Contact [email protected] for details. For more on the history of Alerion Yachts, which began with the launch of Alerion Express 28 no. 1, please visit "Our Story" at alerionyachts.com.